INSTRUCTION MANUAL HF/ 50 MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480HX TS-480SAT © B62-1735-00 (K, E) 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00
NOTICE TO THE USER EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS One or more of the following statements may be applicable for this equipment. Amateur radio regulations vary from country to country. Confirm your local amateur radio regulations and requirements before operating the transceiver. FCC WARNING This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy. Changes or modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference unless the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction manual.
THANK YOU THANK YOU Thank you for choosing this KENWOOD TS-480SAT/ HX transceiver. It has been developed by a team of engineers determined to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation in KENWOOD transceivers. This transceiver features a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) unit to process AF signals. By taking maximum advantage of DSP technology, the TS-480SAT/ HX transceiver gives you enhanced interference reduction capabilities and improves the quality of audio.
THANK YOU MODELS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL The models listed below are covered by this manual. TS-480SAT : HF/ 50 MHz All mode Transceiver with Automatic Antenna Tuner (100 watts output) TS-480HX : HF/ 50 MHz All mode Transceiver (200 watts output) MARKET CODES K-type : The Americas E-type : Europe/ General The market code is shown on the carton box. Refer to the specifications {page 92} for information on the available operating frequencies.
PRECAUTIONS Please observe the following precautions to prevent fire, personal injury, and transceiver damage: • Connect the transceiver only to a power source described in this manual or as marked on the transceiver itself. • Route all power cables safely. Ensure the power cables can neither be stepped upon nor pinched by items placed near or against the cables. Pay particular attention to locations near AC receptacles, AC outlet strips, and points of entry to the transceiver.
INSTALLATION MOBILE INSTALLATION When you use this transceiver for mobile operation, do not attempt to perform any kind of configuration or menu setup configuration while driving your car; it is simply too dangeous. Stop the car and then perform transceiver configuration. In addition, do not wear headphones while driving. You should install the transceiver in a safe and convenient position inside your vehicle so as not to subject yourself to danger while driving.
1 INSTALLATION DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION Connect the DC power cable directly to the vehicle’s battery terminals using the shortest route. Do not use the cigarette lighter socket! The current rating of the cigarette lighter socket is too small to operate the transceiver. Ensure to use a 12 V vehicle battery which has sufficient current capacity. If the current is insufficient, the display may darken during transmission or the trasceiver may work intermittiently.
1 INSTALLATION FIXED STATION INSTALLATION When you use the transceiver at a fixed location, the transceiver requires 13.8 V DC power supply (The TS-480HX requires 2 DC power supplies). FRONT PANEL INSTALLATION 1 Attach the oval-shaped base to the front panel mounting bracket using two SEMS screws (3 mm x 5 mm) as shown below. 2 Slide the Remote Control panel along the mounting bracket rails until secure. DC POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION In order to use this transceiver, you need a separate 13.
1 INSTALLATION ANTENNA CONNECTION An antenna system consists of an antenna, feed line, and ground. The transceiver can give excellent results if the antenna system and its installation are given careful attention. Use a properly adjusted 50 Ω antenna of good quality, a high-quality 50 Ω coaxial cable, and first-quality connectors. All connections must be clean and tight. After making the connections, match the impedance of the coaxial cable and antenna so that the SWR is 1.5:1 or less.
1 INSTALLATION PORTABLE BRACKET (E-TYPE ONLY) Using the supplied Portable Bracket, you can carry the Remote Control panel and TX/ RX unit together. Two TX/ RX unit positions are available. If you do not use the EXT.SP, REMOTE or DATA terminals, place the transceiver in front position. If you use the EXT.SP, REMOTE or DATA terminals, place the TX/ RX unit to the back position. You can also attach the handle as shown if necessary.
1 INSTALLATION PANEL AND MICROPHONE CONNECTION Plug the microphone plug to the MIC jack (8-wire/ RJ45), then connect the Remote Control panel to the TX/ RX unit with the supplied cable (2 m/ 6-wire/ RJ11). Microphone EXT.SP DATA REMOTE MIC To MIC PANEL COM PADD m 3c LE KEY To PANEL Line filter PANEL AND MICROPHONE CONNECTION USING PG-4Z (OPTION) Use the cables and connectors to connect the Remote Control panel and TX/ RX unit with the PG-4Z cable kit as shown below.
1 INSTALLATION ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS TX/ RX UNIT ■ Microphone (MIC) Connect a microphone having an impedance between 250 and 600 Ω. As for the supplied microphone, fully insert the modular connector into the MIC jack until the locking tab clicks. You can still utilize 8-pin metal type plug microphones, such as MC-43S, MC-47, MC-52DM, MC-60A, MC-80, MC-85, and MC-90 with the optional MJ88 adaptor (optional) if necessary.
YOUR FIRST QSO RECEPTION w CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 XIT PF ANT RIT 1/2 t ATT/PR E r AT 1 REC 2 REC CH1 CH2 AF 4 TX MONI 5 RF.G SQL 7 8 NB/T KEY 0 OFF MTR AGC DNL NR FIL PROC ENT BC TF-SET QMI MODE NAR M VFO F.LOCK QMR MULTI IF SHIFT M/V MENU 9 VOX CLR M.IN CH3 6 DELAY MIC PWR qu 3 REC CW.T A/B STEP SG.
2 YOUR FIRST QSO TRANSMISSION ti CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 XIT PF ANT RIT 1/2 ATT/PR E we AT AF SQL 1 REC 2 REC 3 REC CH1 CH2 CH3 4 TX MONI 5 RF.G 8 NB/T KEY 9 VOX CLR 0 OFF MTR AGC PROC NR FIL BC STEP ENT FINE QMI MODE NAR 6 DELAY MIC PWR 7 M.IN DNL M VFO F.LOCK QMR MENU M/V IF SHIFT A/B CW.T SPLIT SG.SEL A=B MHz SCAN ro TF-SET MULTI t q Turn the Tuning control to tune in a desired station or to select an unused frequency.
GETTING ACQUAINTED REMOTE CONTROL PANEL q u i o !0 CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 XIT w e r PF ANT RIT 1/2 ATT/PR E AT AF SQL 1 REC 2 REC CH1 CH2 4 TX MONI 5 RF.G 7 8 NB/T M.IN CH3 DNL KEY NR 9 VOX CLR 0 OFF MTR AGC NAR 6 DELAY MIC PWR t 3 REC FIL BC PROC STEP ENT FINE M VFO F.LOCK QMR MENU M/V MULTI IF SHIFT A/B CW.T SPLIT SG.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED !9 @0 @1 @2 @3 CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 XIT PF ANT RIT 1/2 ATT/PR E AT AF SQL 1 REC 2 REC CH1 CH2 4 TX MONI 5 RF.G 8 NB/T KEY 9 VOX CLR 0 OFF MTR AGC M.IN CH3 DNL NAR 6 DELAY MIC PWR 7 3 REC PROC NR FIL BC STEP ENT FINE !4 !5 !6 !7 M VFO F.LOCK QMR MENU M/V MULTI IF SHIFT A/B CW.T SPLIT SG.SEL SCAN TF-SET QMI MODE A=B MHz !8 @4 @5 @6 @7 @8 !4 MTR/ CLR key @2 BC/ CW.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED #8 #7 #6 CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 #9 XIT PF ANT RIT 1/2 ATT/PR #5 E AT AF SQL 1 REC 2 REC 3 REC CH1 CH2 CH3 4 TX MONI 5 RF.G 7 8 NB/T KEY 9 VOX CLR 0 OFF MTR AGC NAR 6 DELAY MIC PWR M.IN DNL PROC NR FIL BC STEP ENT FINE QMI MODE M VFO F.LOCK QMR MENU M/V MULTI IF SHIFT A/B CW.T #4 SPLIT SG.SEL SCAN TF-SET A=B MHz @9 #0 #1 #2 #3 @9 QMI/ M.IN key #6 CL key Press to store data to the Quick Memory.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED LCD DISPLAY q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8!9 q METER !0 While receiving, serves as an S-meter to measure and display the received signal strength. While transmitting, serves as a power meter plus an ALC meter, an SWR meter, or a Speech Processor compression meter. The Peak Hold function holds each reading for approximately half a second. Appears while the Constant Recording function is ON {page 70}.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED #7 #6 #5 #4 @0@1@2 @3@4 @5 @6 @7 @8 @9 #0 #1#2#3 @0 RtEQsT @9 “RtEQ” appears when the RX Equalizer function is ON {page 64}. “EQsT” appears when the TX Equalizer function is ON {page 38}. The transceiver operating frequency display. In Menu Mode, it displays the parameters. @1 1tBCs2 #0 “1tBC” or “BCs2” appears, as you select the DSP Beat Cancel 1 or Beat Cancel 2 {page 47}.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED TX/ RX UNIT i q w e EXT.SP MIC PADDLE PANEL r DATA t y REMOTE COM KEY u q MIC connector Connect a cable from the supplied microphone to this connector {page 6}. w PANEL connector Connect a cable from the Remote Control panel to this connector {page 6}. e EXT.SP jack Mate with a 3.5 mm (1/8"), 2-conductor (mono) plug for connecting an external speaker {page 7}.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED ANT 2 ANT 1 q e r w t q ANT 1 and ANT 2 connectors Connect your primary HF/ 50 MHz antenna to ANT 1. If you are using 2 antennas for the HF/ 50 MHz band, connect the secondary antenna to the ANT 2 connector. w GND post Connect a heavy gauge wire or copper strap between the ground post and the nearest earth ground or vehicle body {pages 2, 4}. e Cooling Fans The TS-480SAT is equipped with 1 cooling fan. The TS-480HX is equipped with 2 cooling fans. Air flows in from these fans.
3 GETTING ACQUAINTED power. However, you can still receive {page 18}. q speaker mutes. REMOTE CONTROL PANEL (REAR) q Speaker When the headphones are connected, the MICROPHONE q DWN UP w PTT q UP/ DWN keys Use these keys to step the VFO frequency, Memory Channels, or Menu selections up and down. Press and hold these keys to continuously change the settings. w PTT (Push-to-Talk) switch The transceiver is placed in Transmission Mode when this non-locking switch is held down.
OPERATING BASICS SWITCHING POWER ON/ OFF RF (RADIO FREQUENCY) GAIN 1 Switch the DC power supply(s) ON if you are using a DC power supply(s). The RF GAIN is normally configured to the maximum level regardless of the operating modes. The transceiver has been configured to the maximum level at the factory. However, you may decrease the RF GAIN slightly when you have trouble hearing the desired signal because of excessive atmospheric noise or interference from other stations.
4 OPERATING BASICS SELECTING A BAND ADJUSTING SQUELCH Press [ ]/ [ ] to select your desired band. • Holding down either key changes the bands continuously. The purpose of the Squelch is to mute the speaker when no signals are present. With the squelch level correctly set, you will hear sound only while actually receiving signals. The higher the selected squelch level, the stronger the signals must be to receive. The appropriate squelch level depends on the ambient RF noise conditions.
4 OPERATING BASICS FRONT PANEL METER TRANSMITTING The multi-function meter measures the parameters in the table below. The S-meter scale appears when the transceiver is in reception mode, and the PWR meter appears when it is in transmission mode. Each time you press [MTR/ CLR], it cycles between the ALC, SWR, and COMP meters. Peak readings for the S-meter, ALC, SWR, COMP, and PWR functions are held momentarily.
4 OPERATING BASICS MICROPHONE GAIN The microphone gain must be adjusted when SSB or AM mode is selected without using the speech processor {pages 27, 28}. 1 Press [MIC/ 5/ RF.G]. • The current microphone gain level appears. The range is from 0 to 100 with a default of 50. CL HF/50MHz ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER TS-480 XIT PF ANT RIT 1/2 ATT/PRE 1 REC AT AF 2 REC CH1 SQL 8 KEY DNL NR CLR 0 OFF MTR AGC NAR MODE BC ENT QMR A/B STEP SG.SEL SPLIT FINE SCAN MHz MULTI IF SHIFT M/V CW.
MENU SETUP WHAT IS A MENU? QUICK MENU Many functions on this transceiver are selected or configured via a software-controlled Menu, rather than through the physical controls of the transceiver. Once familiar with the Menu system, you will appreciate the versatility it offers. You can customize the various timings, settings, and programming functions on this transceiver to meet your needs without using many controls and switches.
5 MENU SETUP MENU CONFIGURATION Group Operator Interface Tuning Control Memory Channel Scan Operation Monitor Sound IF Filter Menu No. Function Selections Default Ref.
5 MENU SETUP Group Menu No. Function Selections Default Ref. Page oFF/ Hb1/ Hb2/ FP/ bb1/ bb2/ c/ U oFF 38 2.0/ 2.4 kHz 2.
5 MENU SETUP Group Menu No. Function Selections Default Ref.
5 MENU SETUP ALPHABETICAL FUNCTION LIST Function 9 kHz frequency step size for the MULTI control in AM mode on the AM broadcast band AF input level for Data communications AF output level for Data communications APO (Auto Power Off) function Auto CW TX in SSB mode Auto mode operation Beep output level Bug key mode Busy lockout (TX) COM port communication speed Constant recording Control method for the external AT CW keying dot, dash weight ratio CW RX pitch/ TX sidetone frequency Display brightness DSP RX
BASIC COMMUNICATIONS SSB TRANSMISSION FM TRANSMISSION SSB is the most commonly-used mode on the HF Amateur radio bands. Compared with other voice modes, SSB requires only a narrow bandwidth for communications. SSB also allows long distance communications with minimum transmission power. FM is a common mode for communicating on VHF or UHF frequencies. As for HF and the 6 m band, 29 MHz and 51-54 MHz bands are commonly used for FM operation.
6 BASIC COMMUNICATIONS AM TRANSMISSION NARROW BANDWIDTH FOR FM Each mode used on the HF Amateur bands has its own advantages. Although long distance DX contacts may be less common while using AM, the superior audio quality characteristic of AM operation is one reason why some hams prefer this mode. Select wide band or narrow band TX deviation depending on whether the other station is using wide band or narrow band RX deviation.
6 BASIC COMMUNICATIONS CW TRANSMISSION AUTO ZERO-BEAT CW operators know that this mode is very reliable when communicating under worst conditions. It may be true that newer digital modes rival CW as being equally as useful in poor conditions. These modes, however, do not have the long history of service nor the simplicity that CW provides. Use Auto Zero-beat before transmitting to tune in a CW station.
ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS SPLIT-FREQUENCY OPERATION TF-SET (TRANSMISSION FREQUENCY SET) Usually you can communicate with other stations using a single frequency for receiving and transmitting. In this case, you select only one frequency on either VFO A or VFO B. However, there are cases where you must select one frequency for receiving and a different frequency for transmitting. This requires the use of 2 VFOs. This is referred to as “split-frequency operation”.
7 ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS 1 Press [A/B / M/V] to select VFO A or VFO B. FM REPEATER OPERATION Most Amateur radio voice repeaters use a separate reception and transmission frequency. The transmission frequency may be higher or lower than the reception frequency. In addition, some repeaters may require the transceiver to transmit a subtone before the repeater can be used. Compared to simplex communication, you can usually transmit over much greater distances by using a repeater.
7 ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS TRANSMITTING A TONE In general, FM repeaters require the transceiver to transmit a sub-audible tone to prevent other repeaters on the same frequency from locking each other up. The required tone frequency differs among repeaters. Repeaters also differ in their requirements for either continuous or burst tones. For the appropriate selections for your accessible repeaters, consult your local repeater reference. No. Freq. (Hz) No. Freq. (Hz) No. Freq. (Hz) No. Freq.
7 ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS FM CTCSS OPERATION You may sometimes want to hear calls only from specific persons. When using FM mode, the Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) allows you to ignore (not hear) unwanted calls from other persons who are using the same frequency. A CTCSS tone is sub-audible and is selectable from among the 42 tone frequencies. Select the same CTCSS tone as the other stations in your group. You will not hear calls from stations other than those using the same CTCSS tone. No.
COMMUNICATING AIDS RECEPTION SELECTING YOUR FREQUENCY In addition to turning the Tuning control or pressing Mic [UP]/ [DWN], there are several other ways to select your frequency. This section describes additional methods of frequency selection that may save you time and effort. ■ Direct Frequency Entry When the desired frequency is far removed from the current frequency, directly entering a frequency from the numeric keypad is usually the fastest method. 1 Press [ENT]. • “ - - . - - - . - - ” appears.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS ■ Fine Tuning The default frequency step size when turning the Tuning control to change the frequency is 10 Hz for SSB, CW, and FSK modes, and 100 Hz for FM and AM modes. However, you can change the frequency step size to 1 Hz for SSB, CW, and FSK modes, and 10 Hz for FM and AM modes. becomes 1 Hz. RIT works equally well with all modulation modes and while using VFO or Memory Recall mode. 1 Press [RIT]. • “RIT” and the RIT offset appear. 1 Press [FINE/ STEP]. • “FINE” appears.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS TRANSMISSION VOX (VOICE-OPERATED TRANSMIT) VOX eliminates the necessity of manually switching to the transmission mode each time you want to transmit. The transceiver automatically switches to transmission mode when the VOX circuitry senses that you have begun speaking into the microphone. When using VOX, develop the habit of pausing between thoughts to allow the transceiver to drop back to reception mode briefly.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS SPEECH PROCESSOR XIT (TRANSMIT INCREMENTAL TUNING) The Speech Processor levels out large fluctuations in your voice while you speak. When using SSB, FM, or AM mode, this leveling action effectively raises the average TX power, resulting in a more understandable signal. The amount of voice compression is fully adjustable. You will notice that using the Speech Processor makes it easier to be heard by distant stations.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS CUSTOMIZING TRANSMISSION SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS Frequency Response Curves Amplitude Conventional Formant pass The quality of your transmission signal is important, regardless of which on-air activity you pursue. However, it is easy to be casual and overlook this fact since you don’t listen to your own signal. The following sub-sections provide information that will help you tailor your transmission signal. High boost Off Bass boost ■ TX Filter Bandwidth (SSB/ AM) 0.7 Use Menu No.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS CW BREAK-IN Break-in allows you to transmit CW without manually switching between transmission and reception modes. Two types of Break-ins are available: Semi Break-in and Full Break-in. Semi Break-in: When the key contacts open, the transceiver automatically waits for the passage of the time period that you have selected. The transceiver then returns to reception mode. Full Break-in: As soon as the key contacts open, the transceiver returns to reception mode.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS BUG KEY FUNCTION The built-in electronic keyer also can be used as a semi-automatic key. Semi-automatic keys are also known as “Bugs”. When this function is ON, dots are generated in the normal manner by the electronic keyer. Dashes, however, are manually generated by the operator by holding the keyer paddle closed for the appropriate length of time. To switch this function ON, access Menu No. 37 and select “on”. The default is OFF.
8 COMMUNICATING AIDS ■ Changing the Inter-message Interval Time AUTO CW TX IN SSB MODE For the message playback repeat, access Menu No. 31 and select “on”. You can also change the interval playback time of the message. Access Menu No. 32 and select the time in the range of 0 to 60 seconds in steps of 1 second.
SPECIALIZED COMMUNICATIONS RADIO TELETYPE (RTTY) RTTY is the data communications mode with the longest history. It was originally designed for use with mechanical teletypewriters which were often used before personal computers became common. Now you can easily start operating RTTY with a personal computer and MCP. Unlike Packet, each time you type a letter, it is transmitted over the air. What you typed is transmitted and displayed on the computer screen of the recipient.
9 SPECIALIZED COMMUNICATIONS AMTOR/ PacTOR/ CLOVER/ G-TOR/ PSK31 PACKET RADIO Besides RTTY, digital modes which have been used among hams include AMTOR, PacTOR, CLOVER, GTOR, and PSK31. For details, consult reference books about the digital mode communications of amateur radio. Packet is a unit of data transmitted as a whole from one computer to another, on a network. Packets can be transmitted on radio waves as well as on communications lines.
